Getting back to the basics: Your job search

Job searching can be… well, a full time job. Ideally, one starts looking for a new job while you’re still currently employed but sometimes, you find yourself starting from scratch. Whether you just graduated from college, relocated to a new area or have recently lost or left a position, finding yourself jobless can be overwhelming and intimidating. Thanks to newspaper ads, online job boards, internal career pages and social media; there are countless ways to alert the world that you’re looking for a career move. But where do you begin? Here are a few steps to get on the path to a rewarding new career.

Modify your resume. Even if you have updated it since starting at your last position, revisit your resume and cover letter. You might have all the basics but perhaps you worked on a project or a team that is relevant to the next position for which you’ve applied. At the very least, confirm that the verbiage is up to your standards. There is nothing worse than a stale, outdated resume. You wouldn’t wear an outfit from 2003 to an interview. Why would you bring a resume from that year?

Update your references. Review your references and make sure that they’re all relevant, somewhat recent former managers, peers or subordinates. If one of your references has retired or left the country, try to replace him/her with someone else. Contact everyone using the numbers you have listed to confirm that the numbers are correct and to inform them that they may be getting phone calls on your behalf.

Check your online identity. Verify that your Facebook and Twitter pages represent the person you would want a potential employer to meet. If you’re concerned that your political opinions or colorful language could be an issue, adjust your privacy settings. If you have an account on any job boards like Monster, CareerBuilder or Indeed, confirm that your cover letter, resume and contact information are up to date. If you don’t have an account on any of these sites, create one immediately!

Relax! Once you’ve taken care of the first three steps, now is a great time, if possible, to visit family, take a vacation or just read that book that’s been collecting dust. You will find yourself much more motivated if you allow yourself to take a little break and try to enjoy your short-lived free time!